Beverage bottling plant for filling bottles with a liquid beverage material having a filling machine

ABSTRACT

A beverage bottling plant for filling bottles with a liquid beverage material having a filling machine. The abstract of the disclosure is submitted herewith as required by 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b). As stated in 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b): A brief abstract of the technical disclosure in the specification must commence on a separate sheet, preferably following the claims, under the heading “Abstract of the Disclosure.” The purpose of the abstract is to enable the Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and gist of the technical disclosure. The abstract shall not be used for interpreting the scope of the claims. Therefore, any statements made relating to the abstract are not intended to limit the claims in any manner and should not be interpreted as limiting the claims in any manner.

BACKGROUND

1. Technical Field

The present application relates to a beverage bottling plant for fillingbottles with a liquid beverage material having a filling machine forfilling bottles, cans and similar containers as described herein below.

2. Background Information

A beverage bottling plant for filling bottles with a liquid beveragefilling material can possibly comprise a beverage filling machine with aplurality of beverage filling positions, each beverage filling positionhaving a beverage filling device for filling bottles with liquidbeverage filling material. The filling devices may have an apparatusdesigned to introduce a predetermined volume of liquid beverage fillingmaterial into the interior of bottles to a substantially predeterminedlevel of liquid beverage filling material. The apparatus designed tointroduce a predetermined flow of liquid beverage filling materialfurther comprises an apparatus that is designed to terminate the fillingof the beverage bottles upon the liquid beverage filling materialreaching the predetermined level in bottles. There may also be provideda conveyer arrangement that is designed to move bottles, for example,from an inspecting machine to the filling machine. Upon filling, aclosing station closes the filled bottles. There may further be provideda conveyer arrangement configured to transfer filled bottles from thefilling machine to the closing station. Bottles may be labeled in alabeling station, the labeling station having a conveyer arrangement toreceive bottles and to output bottles. The closing station and thelabeling station may be connected by a corresponding conveyerarrangement.

Filling valves of the prior art are equipped with gas cutoffs or gaslocks. Filling valves with gas cutoffs are primarily used for thebottling of carbonated liquids that are introduced from a pressurevessel into a bottle that is connected with the filling mechanism. Inthe prior art, before the actual filling begins, the pressure betweenthe bottle and the pressure vessel must be equalized so that the liquidcan flow into the bottle as a result of hydrostatic pressure. Duringthis process, the counter-pressure gas in the bottle is pushed back intothe actual gas headspace of the filling bowl and is replaced by theliquid. For this purpose there is a return gas tube 11 which, with itsbottom end surface, defines the boundary of the actual filling process,as soon as the liquid has reached said end surface.

Consequently, a further escape of the gas back into the pressure vesselis no longer possible. On such filling mechanisms there is a risk thatthe quantity of gas that is above the surface of the liquid will bubbleup through the liquid duct, which is still open, and will thereby causean after-running of the liquid that is above the valve seat. Thissituation can be effectively prevented by a gas cutoff that is locatedabove the valve seat, for example.

On filling valves in which the filling level is determined essentiallyby a return gas tube 11, it is absolutely necessary to prevent theliquid flowing into the container from adhering to said return gas tubeand to prevent it from flowing along said return gas tube 11 into thecontainer to be filled. If the liquid should flow along the return gastube 11 into the container, there is a risk that drops of liquid thatadhere to the lower end of the return gas tube 11 can be carried alongby the pre-pressurization gas that is flowing through the return gas 11out of the container and accumulate inside the return gas tube 11, forexample, as a result of which they can lead to a “sputtering” of thereturn gas tube 11 and ultimately to a disruption of the fillingprocess.

To reliably prevent this situation, it has been known for some time thatguide elements for the liquid, generally devices that are called screensor shields 16 can be located on the external contour of the return gastube 11 that deflect the liquid far above the lower end of the returngas tube 11 and steer it toward the container wall. Because such returngas tubes 11 equipped with a screen 16 are expensive to manufacture, andas a rule must be changed depending on the model of bottle being used,many attempts have been made in the past to replace the screens 16 withother components. For example, in similar devices of the prior art,swirl inserts or torsion bodies have been located inside the liquid pathwhich impart a rotational motion to the liquid, as a result of which theliquid flows into the container in contact with the inside wall of thecontainer.

Because the use of gas cutoffs and swirl inserts or the use of gascutoffs and return gas tubes with screens must be considereddisadvantageous on account of the high costs of manufacturing,installation and maintenance, attempts have been made to combine gascutoffs and swirl inserts.

For example, DE 41 40 524 C2 describes a thin, bell-shaped gas cutoffthat can be manufactured in the form of a stamped sheet metal part, forexample, in which the holes that run through said bell are orientedtangentially, so that a rotational motion is imposed on the liquid thatflows through these openings.

The principal disadvantage of this device described in the prior art isthat the material thickness of the bell is comparatively low. This lowthickness is a disadvantage because the material thickness is equivalentto the length over which the liquid is guided, the purpose of which isto impose a rotational motion on the incoming liquid which has anessentially diffuse flow. The short length of the guidance thereforemeans that the new velocity vector, which comprises direction andvelocity, can only be realized incompletely, especially since the liquidflows into the container only as a result of the hydrostatic pressure.

It is further disadvantageous that the bell shape of the gas cutoffrequires a double deflection of the liquid, as a result of which thefilling speed of the liquid is disadvantageously influenced. A gascutoff of this type, on account of its large dimensions, also requires agreat deal of space in the vertical direction, which is likewisedisadvantageous for cost reasons and on account of the small amount ofspace available.

A comparable device was described in German Utility Model 78 11 788, inwhich the gas cutoff comprises an element that is in the shape of atruncated cone, the lower edge of which is formed by a comb-likestructure. The slots in said comb-like structure are thereby realized sothat they impart a centrifugal acceleration to the liquid as it flowsinto them.

Theoretically, the disadvantages cited above also apply to the devicedescribed by Utility Model 78 11 788. The manufacture of the comb-likestructure described above is also very complex and expensive.

OBJECT OR OBJECTS

The object is to substantially eliminate or minimize the effects of thedisadvantages described above. For this purpose the present applicationteaches a filling valve that is equipped with a gas cutoff with aswirling action, whereby the gas cutoff is realized essentially in theform of a flat element.

The above-discussed embodiments of the present invention will bedescribed further hereinbelow. When the word “invention” or “embodimentof the invention” is used in this specification, the word “invention” or“embodiment of the invention” includes “inventions” or “embodiments ofthe invention”, that is the plural of “invention” or “embodiment of theinvention”. By stating “invention” or “embodiment of the invention”, theApplicant does not in any way admit that the present application doesnot include more than one patentably and non-obviously distinctinvention, and maintains that this application may include more than onepatentably and non-obviously distinct invention. The Applicant herebyasserts that the disclosure of this application may include more thanone invention, and, in the event that there is more than one invention,that these inventions may be patentable and non-obvious one with respectto the other.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present application is described in greater detail below on thebasis of an exemplary embodiment which is illustrated in theaccompanying drawings.

FIG. 1A is a schematic illustration of a beverage bottling plant inaccordance with one possible embodiment;

FIG. 1 shows a filling valve of the prior art with a gas cutoff of theprior art;

FIG. 2 shows a filling valve as taught by the present application with amodified gas cutoff;

FIG. 3 shows a top view of the gas cutoff according to one possibleembodiment;

FIG. 4 shows a top view of the gas cutoff according to another possibleembodiment;

FIG. 5 shows a top view of the gas cutoff according to yet anotherpossible embodiment;

FIG. 6 shows a top view of the gas cutoff according to still anotherpossible embodiment;

FIG. 7 shows a top view of the gas cutoff according to another possibleembodiment;

FIG. 8 shows a top view of the gas cutoff according to yet anotherpossible embodiment;

FIG. 9 shows a top view of the gas cutoff according to still anotherpossible embodiment;

FIG. 10 shows a top view of the gas cutoff according to another possibleembodiment;

FIG. 11 shows a side cross sectional view of the gas cutoff according toone possible embodiment;

FIG. 11 shows a side cross sectional view of the gas cutoff according toanother possible embodiment;

FIG. 12 shows a side cross sectional view of the gas cutoff according toyet another possible embodiment;

FIG. 13 shows a side cross sectional view of the gas cutoff according tostill another possible embodiment;

FIG. 14 shows a side cross sectional view of the gas cutoff according toanother possible embodiment;

FIG. 15 shows a side cross sectional view of the gas cutoff according toyet another possible embodiment;

FIG. 16 shows a side cross sectional view of the gas cutoff according tostill another possible embodiment;

FIG. 17 shows a top view of the gas cutoff according to another possibleembodiment;

FIG. 18 shows a side cross sectional view of an angled passage.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENT OR EMBODIMENTS

Developments, advantages and potential applications of the presentapplication are described in greater detail below with reference toexemplary embodiments and the accompanying drawings. All thecharacteristics described and/or indicated in the illustrations,individually or in any arbitrary combination, are thereby the object ofthe present application, regardless of their placement in the claims orthe cross-references among the claims. The text of the claims is alsohereby incorporated by reference into this description.

FIG. 1A shows schematically the main components of one possibleembodiment example of a system for filling containers, specifically, abeverage bottling plant for filling bottles B with at least one liquidbeverage, in accordance with at least one possible embodiment, in whichsystem or plant could possibly be utilized at least one aspect, orseveral aspects, of the embodiments disclosed herein.

FIG. 1A shows a rinsing arrangement or rinsing station 101, to which thecontainers, namely bottles B, are fed in the direction of travel asindicated by the arrow A1, by a first conveyer arrangement 103, whichcan be a linear conveyor or a combination of a linear conveyor and astarwheel. Downstream of the rinsing arrangement or rinsing station 101,in the direction of travel as indicated by the arrow A1, the rinsedbottles B are transported to a beverage filling machine 105 by a secondconveyer arrangement 104 that is formed, for example, by one or morestarwheels that introduce bottles B into the beverage filling machine105.

The beverage filling machine 105 shown is of a revolving or rotarydesign, with a rotor 105′, which revolves around a central, verticalmachine axis. The rotor 105′ is designed to receive and hold the bottlesB for filling at a plurality of filling positions 113 located about theperiphery of the rotor 105′. At each of the filling positions 103 islocated a filling arrangement 114 having at least one filling device,element, apparatus, or valve. The filling arrangements 114 are designedto introduce a predetermined volume or amount of liquid beverage intothe interior of the bottles B to a predetermined or desired level.

The filling arrangements 114 receive the liquid beverage material from atoroidal or annular vessel 117, in which a supply of liquid beveragematerial is stored under pressure by a gas. The toroidal vessel 117 is acomponent, for example, of the revolving rotor 105′. The toroidal vessel117 can be connected by means of a rotary coupling or a coupling thatpermits rotation. The toroidal vessel 117 is also connected to at leastone external reservoir or supply of liquid beverage material by aconduit or supply line. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1A, there aretwo external supply reservoirs 123 and 124, each of which is configuredto store either the same liquid beverage product or different products.These reservoirs 123, 124 are connected to the toroidal or annularvessel 117 by corresponding supply lines, conduits, or arrangements 121and 122. The external supply reservoirs 123, 124 could be in the form ofsimple storage tanks, or in the form of liquid beverage product mixers,in at least one possible embodiment.

As well as the more typical filling machines having one toroidal vessel,it is possible that in at least one possible embodiment there could be asecond toroidal or annular vessel which contains a second product. Inthis case, each filling arrangement 114 could be connected by separateconnections to each of the two toroidal vessels and have twoindividually-controllable fluid or control valves, so that in eachbottle B, the first product or the second product can be filled by meansof an appropriate control of the filling product or fluid valves.

Downstream of the beverage filling machine 105, in the direction oftravel of the bottles B, there can be a beverage bottle closingarrangement or closing station 106 which closes or caps the bottles B.The beverage bottle closing arrangement or closing station 106 can beconnected by a third conveyer arrangement 107 to a beverage bottlelabeling arrangement or labeling station 108. The third conveyorarrangement may be formed, for example, by a plurality of starwheels, ormay also include a linear conveyor device.

In the illustrated embodiment, the beverage bottle labeling arrangementor labeling station 108 has at least one labeling unit, device, ormodule, for applying labels to bottles B. In the embodiment shown, thelabeling arrangement 108 has three output conveyer arrangement: a firstoutput conveyer arrangement 109, a second output conveyer arrangement110, and a third output conveyer arrangement 111, all of which conveyfilled, closed, and labeled bottles B to different locations.

The first output conveyer arrangement 109, in the embodiment shown, isdesigned to convey bottles B that are filled with a first type of liquidbeverage supplied by, for example, the supply reservoir 123. The secondoutput conveyer arrangement 110, in the embodiment shown, is designed toconvey bottles B that are filled with a second type of liquid beveragesupplied by, for example, the supply reservoir 124. The third outputconveyer arrangement 111, in the embodiment shown, is designed to conveyincorrectly labeled bottles B. To further explain, the labelingarrangement 108 can comprise at least one beverage bottle inspection ormonitoring device that inspects or monitors the location of labels onthe bottles B to determine if the labels have been correctly placed oraligned on the bottles B. The third output conveyer arrangement 111removes any bottles B which have been incorrectly labeled as determinedby the inspecting device.

The beverage bottling plant can be controlled by a central controlarrangement 112, which could be, for example, computerized controlsystem that monitors and controls the operation of the various stationsand mechanisms of the beverage bottling plant.

FIG. 1 shows a filling device of the prior art as discussed herein.

As shown in FIG. 2, the present application teaches that the gas cutoffwith a swirl effect 13 can be realized in the form of a flat, planeelement, as a result of which the multiple sharp deflection of theliquid required in the devices of the prior art is eliminated.

The gas cutoff 13 contains a plurality of passages 15, each of whichrepresents a connection between the upper side and the underside of thegas cutoff 13.

In an additional advantageous realization, the present applicationteaches that in addition or also exclusively, there are recesses, e.g.fin-shaped recesses, which at least partly interrupt the radial outercontour/the peripheral surface of the gas cutoff 13.

Passages 15 and/or recesses and/or their side walls have an inclinationwith respect to the vertical, so that the liquid flowing through themtakes on a velocity vector which contains, among other things, avelocity component in the peripheral direction with respect to the valveaxis. As a result of this velocity component, a rotational movement ofthe liquid is realized, as a result of which the liquid, during itsfurther travel, comes into contact first with the inside wall of thefiller valve and, as it flows into the container 1, with its inner wall.

For the inclination of the passages 15 and/or recesses 15, the presentapplication teaches that said inclination first runs in the peripheraldirection. The present application also teaches that the inclination isrealized as a function of the location where the filling machine is tobe used, so that the effect of the Coriolis force that occurs duringthese flow processes is utilized and/or positively assisted.

On filling machines that are designed to be used in the earth's NorthernHemisphere, the inclination should be such that the liquid rotates inthe clockwise direction, viewed in the direction of the flow. Theopposite applies for filling machines that are designed to be used inthe Southern Hemisphere.

The present application also teaches that the passages can also beinclined in the radial direction, so that the liquid is additionallyguided toward the inside walls of the filling valve and container 1.

For the realization of the passages 15 and/or recesses, this embodimentteaches that said passages and/or recesses can be round, oval, square,rectangular, polygonal or elliptical, or realized in any other desiredshape.

The present application also teaches that the profile of the passages 15or of the recesses can be linear as well as non-linear, in other wordsthe profile of the passages 15 can also be curved.

In an additional, altogether advantageous development of the presentapplication, the parameters of the gas cutoff 13 such as, for example,its thickness, size of the passages 15 or recesses and their inclinationcan be customized to the specific characteristics of the liquid beingbottled, such as its viscosity or surface tension, so that thecharacteristics of the gas cutoff 13 such as gas-tightness, swirlingaction and filling capacity can be optimally coordinated with oneanother. This system coordination is naturally also and in particularappropriate when a plurality of liquids are to be processed inalternation with a single filling machine.

As a result of the advantageous configuration of the installation space14 for the gas cutoff 13, it is possible without problems or substantialeffort to use gas cutoffs 13 of different thicknesses.

In an additional advantageous development of this invention, which ispredominantly but not exclusively suitable for the bottling of beveragescontaining fruit pulp, for example, the present application teaches thatthe gas cutoff 13 can be realized with a funnel-shaped or cone-shapedupper side, analogous to one or more embodiments disclosed in anadditional application by the same applicant, specifically U.S.application Ser. No. 11/082,236 filed Mar. 16, 2005, which applicationis incorporated by reference herein. As a result of this particularlyshaped upper side, a self-cleaning action of the gas cutoff 13 iscarried out during the bottling of beverages that contain fruit pulp.

The size, shape, angle, diametrical dimension, cross section, andcontour of the passages 15 are configured to take into effect theCoriolis force for the latitude of the bottling plant location, theviscosity of the fluid being bottled, the amount and size of pulp in thefluid, and the temperature of the fluid being bottled. Further, thepassages 15 are designed to minimize gas bubbling back up through thepassages 15 upon a bottle being filled, to substantially prevent liquidbeverage from coming into contact with the return gas tube in order toprevent drops of liquid from entering the return gas tube during theevacuation of gas from a bottle being filled, and to minimize fillingtime. Each element of the design of the passages 15 may be determined byexperimentation with different types of fluids, such as fluids withdifferent viscosities or varying amounts of pulp.

FIG. 3 shows a top view of one possible embodiment of the gas cutoff 13.According to this possible embodiment, the passages 15 comprise acircular open top end and a circular open bottom end, as well as acylindrical inner wall portion through which a liquid beverage can flow.The open top end is offset from the open bottom end to permit the flowof liquid beverage in a circular or swirling motion in order to guidethe liquid beverage toward the inside walls of the filling valve andcontainer 1. In this embodiment, the passages 15 are disposed radiallyand concentrically about the gas cutoff 13. FIG. 3 shows two sets ofpassages for illustrative purposes, and it is to be understood that anynumber of additional passages could be included in different possibleembodiments. In at least one embodiment, the passages as shown in FIG. 3could continue about the entirety of the gas cutoff.

FIG. 4 shows a top view of another possible embodiment of the gas cutoff13. In this possible embodiment, the passages 17 are offset diagonallysuch that they are pointed radially outward in order to further directliquid beverage toward the inside walls of the filling valve andcontainer 1. FIG. 4 shows two sets of passages for illustrativepurposes, and it is to be understood that any number of additionalpassages could be included in different possible embodiments. In atleast one embodiment, the passages as shown in FIG. 4 could continueabout the entirety of the gas cutoff.

FIG. 5 shows a top view of another possible embodiment of the gas cutoff13. In this possible embodiment, the outer and inner passages 19 arestaggered with respect to one another about the gas cutoff 13, ratherthan being disposed radially, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4. FIG. 5 showstwo sets of passages for illustrative purposes, and it is to beunderstood that any number of additional passages could be included indifferent possible embodiments. In at least one embodiment, the passagesas shown in FIG. 5 could continue about the entirety of the gas cutoff.

FIGS. 6 to 9 show top views of different embodiments of the gas cutoff13, having different shaped passages. FIG. 6 shows ellipse-shapedpassages 21. FIG. 7 shows hexagonally-shaped passages 23. Please notethat any polygonal shape may be used for the passages, such astriangles, pentagons, heptagons, octagons, decagons, etc. FIG. 8 showssquare-shaped passages 25. FIG. 9 shows rectangular passages 27. FIGS. 6to 9 show two sets of passages for illustrative purposes, and it is tobe understood that any number of additional passages could be includedin different possible embodiments. In at least one embodiment, thepassages as shown in FIGS. 6 to 9 could continue about the entirety ofthe gas cutoff.

FIG. 10 shows a top view of another possible embodiment of the gascutoff 13. In this possible embodiment, the circular passages 29 arearranged linearly about the gas cutoff 13. The passages 29 run in asingle file line on each side of the gas cutoff 13, such that theyessentially form the shape of a square. FIG. 10 shows the passages 29angled diagonally toward the inside walls of the filling valve and thecontainer 1. However, the passages 29 may also be angled such that theopen top end of each passage and the open bottom end of each passage lieon the same line.

FIG. 11 shows a side cross sectional view of one possible embodiment ofthe gas cutoff 13. In this possible embodiment, the passages 33 areangled toward the inside walls of the filling valve and the container 1.The inner walls of the passages through which liquid beverage flowsduring filling are straight and linear in this embodiment. FIG. 12 issimilar to FIG. 11, but shows an embodiment where the passages 35 arecurved.

FIG. 13 shows a side cross sectional view of another possible embodimentof the gas cutoff 13. In this possible embodiment, the passages 37 areconically shaped. In other words, the open top ends of the passages 37have a wider diameter than the open bottom ends. Conversely, FIG. 14shows another possible embodiment with conical passages 39, wherein theopen top ends of the passages 39 have a smaller diameter than the openbottom ends.

FIG. 15 shows a side cross sectional view of another possible embodimentof the gas cutoff 13. In this possible embodiment, the inner walls ofthe passages 41 are substantially hourglass-shaped. In other words, thediameter of the open top ends and the open bottom ends of the passages41 are substantially equal, but the inner walls of the passages have asubstantially smaller diameter at the center of the passages than at theopen top ends and bottom ends.

FIG. 16 shows a side cross sectional view of another possible embodimentof the gas cutoff. In this possible embodiment, the top of the gascutoff 13 comprises a cone-shaped or funnel-shaped top portion 50. FIG.17 shows a top view of another possible embodiment of the gas cutoff 13.In this possible embodiment, the gas cutoff 13 comprises fin-shapedrecesses 60 which at least partly interrupt the radial outer contour orperipheral surface of the gas cutoff 13. FIG. 17 shows an embodimentwith six recesses 60 for exemplary purposes, and embodiments with moreor fewer recesses are within the scope of the present application. Theadditional embodiments of the gas cutoff disclosed herein could also bemodified to include the recesses 60.

FIG. 18 shows a side cross sectional view of an example of a passage 15.The passage 15 can be disposed in the gas cutoff 13 at an angle,represented in FIG. 18 by angles A and B. The angle A is defined by aline L along the central axis of the passage and a radius of the gascutoff 13, which angle A could be between 45° and 90°, including numbersin tenths of a percent, such as, for example, 45.1°, 45.2°, 45.3°,45.4°, 45.5°, 45.6°, 45.7°, 45.8°, 45.9°, 50.0°, etc. The angle B isdefined by the line L and a line perpendicular to a radius of the gascutoff 13, which angle B could be between 0° and 60°, including numbersin tenths of a percent, such as, for example, 0.1°, 0.2°, 0.3°, 0.4°,0.5°, 0.6°, 0.7°, 0.8°, 0.9°, 1.0°, etc. The angle of the passages 15can be selected to cause the liquid beverage to flow out of the gascutoff 13 in a circular or swirling motion in order to avoid liquidentering the gas return tube, to minimize filling time, and to minimizegas bubbling back up through the passages 15.

The present application relates to a filling valve for the bottling ofliquids in bottles, cans and similar containers with a closable liquidduct and a gas cutoff associated with said liquid duct with a swirleffect, in which the gas cutoff is realized in the form of a flat, planeelement.

One feature or aspect of an embodiment is believed at the time of thefiling of this patent application to possibly reside broadly in abeverage bottling plant for filling beverage bottles with liquidbeverage material, said beverage bottling plant comprising: a beveragebottle cleaning machine being configured and disposed to clean beveragebottles; a feed arrangement to supply beverage bottles to said beveragebottle cleaning machine; a beverage filling machine being configured anddisposed to fill beverage bottles with liquid beverage material; saidbeverage filling machine comprising a plurality of beverage fillingelements for filling beverage bottles with liquid beverage material; atleast one liquid reservoir being configured to hold a liquid to bebottled; said at least one liquid reservoir comprising a gas headspacebeing disposed above a liquid to be bottled within said at least oneliquid reservoir; at least one supply line being configured and disposedto connect said at least one liquid reservoir to said beverage fillingmachine to supply liquid beverage material to said beverage fillingmachine; a first conveyer arrangement being configured and disposed tomove beverage bottles from said beverage bottle cleaning machine intosaid beverage filling machine; said first conveyer arrangementcomprising a star wheel structure; a beverage bottle closing machinebeing configured and disposed to close tops of filled beverage bottles;a second conveyer arrangement being configured and disposed to movefilled beverage bottles from said beverage filling machine into saidbeverage bottle closing machine; said second conveyer arrangementcomprising a star wheel structure; a beverage bottle labeling machinebeing configured and disposed to label filled, closed beverage bottles;a third conveyor arrangement being configured and disposed to movefilled, closed beverage bottles from said beverage bottle closingmachine into said beverage bottle labeling machine; said third conveyerarrangement comprising a star wheel structure; a beverage bottle packingstation being configured and disposed to package labeled, filled, closedbeverage bottles; a fourth conveyor arrangement being configured anddisposed to move labeled, filled, closed beverage bottles from saidbeverage bottle labeling machine to said beverage bottle packingstation; said fourth conveyer arrangement comprising a linear conveyorstructure being configured and disposed to arrange beverage bottles ingroups for packing; said beverage filling machine comprising a rotorbeing configured and disposed to carry said plurality of fillingelements about its periphery; each of said filling elements comprising:a dispensing opening being configured and disposed to permit the flow ofliquid through said dispensing opening and into a bottle to be filled; aliquid duct being configured and disposed to permit the flow of liquidfrom said liquid reservoir; a housing being configured and disposed tohouse said liquid duct; a return gas tube comprising an open bottom endbeing disposed adjacent said dispensing opening; said return gas tubebeing configured and disposed to permit the flow of gas from a bottlebeing filled with a liquid beverage; a gas cutoff element, comprising: asubstantially disk-shaped body portion being disposed about said liquidduct; said substantially disk-shaped body portion being substantiallyflat; a plurality of passages being configured and disposed to permitthe flow of liquid beverage through said gas cutoff element; saidpassages being disposed in a substantially circular pattern around saidgas cutoff element; said passages comprising an inlet portion, an outletportion, and an inner wall portion; said outlet portion being verticallyoffset from said inlet portion; said inner wall portion being disposedbetween said inlet portion and said outlet portion; said passages beingconfigured and disposed to permit the flow of liquid beverage such thatliquid beverage exits said passages in a circular or swirling motion;said passages having a size, shape, angle, diametrical dimension, crosssection, and inner contour to utilize and being configured and disposedto utilize the Coriolis effect; said passages being configured to takeinto account the latitude of the hemispheric location of the bottlingplant, the viscosity of the liquid being bottled, the size and amount ofsolid matter in the liquid to be bottled, the temperature of the liquidto be bottled, and the type of bottle being filled; said passages beingconfigured and disposed to minimize gas bubbling back up through saidpassages, to minimize entry of liquid into said gas return tube, and tominimize filling time.

Another feature or aspect of an embodiment is believed at the time ofthe filing of this patent application to possibly reside broadly in afilling machine for filling bottles, cans, or similar containers with aliquid comprising a filling valve, said filling valve comprising: areturn gas tube comprising an open bottom end being disposed adjacentsaid dispensing opening; said return gas tube being configured anddisposed to permit the flow of gas from a bottle being filled with aliquid beverage; a closable liquid duct being configured and disposed topermit the flow of liquid beverage into a bottle to be filled; a gascutoff element, comprising: a substantially flat, substantiallydisk-shaped body portion being disposed about said closable liquid duct;at least one passage being configured and disposed to permit the flow ofliquid beverage through said gas cutoff element such that liquidbeverage exits said at least one passage in a circular or swirlingmotion; said at least one passage being configured and disposed tominimize gas bubbling back up through said at least one passage, and tominimize entry of liquid into said gas return tube during filling.

Yet another feature or aspect of an embodiment is believed at the timeof the filing of this patent application to possibly reside broadly in afilling machine for filling bottles, cans, or similar containers with aliquid comprising a valve, said valve comprising: a closable liquid ductbeing configured and disposed to control the flow of liquid into acontainer to be filled; a gas cutoff element being configured anddisposed to effect a swirling of liquid in said closable liquid duct;and said gas cutoff element comprising a substantially flat, planarelement.

Another feature or aspect of an embodiment is believed at the time ofthe filing of this patent application to possibly reside broadly in afilling valve for the bottling of liquids in bottles, cans or similarcontainers with a closable liquid duct and a gas cutoff with a swirlaction associated with said liquid duct, characterized by the fact thatthe gas cutoff is realized in the form of a flat, plane element.

Another feature or aspect of an embodiment is believed at the time ofthe filing of this patent application to possibly reside broadly in afilling valve, characterized by the fact that the gas cutoff is providedwith passages.

Yet another feature or aspect of an embodiment is believed at the timeof the filing of this patent application to possibly reside broadly in afilling valve, characterized by the fact that the gas cutoff is providedwith recesses.

Still another feature or aspect of an embodiment is believed at the timeof the filing of this patent application to possibly reside broadly in afilling valve, characterized by the fact that the passages and/orrecesses or their side surfaces are at an inclination with respect tothe vertical.

A further feature or aspect of an embodiment is believed at the time ofthe filing of this patent application to possibly reside broadly in afilling valve, characterized by the fact that the inclination isrealized as a function of the circumference of an imaginary circlearound the valve axis.

Another feature or aspect of an embodiment is believed at the time ofthe filing of this patent application to possibly reside broadly in afilling valve, characterized by the fact that the inclination in thedirection of flow is directed radially outward.

Yet another feature or aspect of an embodiment is believed at the timeof the filing of this patent application to possibly reside broadly in afilling valve, characterized by the fact that the inclination isrealized as a function of the location in which the filling machine willbe used so that the Coriolis effect is utilized and positively assisted.

Still another feature or aspect of an embodiment is believed at the timeof the filing of this patent application to possibly reside broadly in afilling valve, characterized by the fact that the passages or recessesrun in a straight line.

A further feature or aspect of an embodiment is believed at the time ofthe filing of this patent application to possibly reside broadly in afilling valve, characterized by the fact that the passages or recessesdo not run in a straight line.

Another feature or aspect of an embodiment is believed at the time ofthe filing of this patent application to possibly reside broadly in afilling valve, characterized by the fact that the upper side of the gascutoff is at least partly in the shape of a funnel or cone.

Yet another feature or aspect of an embodiment is believed at the timeof the filing of this patent application to possibly reside broadly in afilling valve, characterized by the fact that the installation space forthe gas cutoff is realized so that the filling valve is suitable to holdgas cutoffs of different thicknesses.

The components disclosed in the various publications, disclosed orincorporated by reference herein, may possibly be used in possibleembodiments of the present invention, as well as equivalents thereof.

Some examples of bottling systems, which may be used or adapted for usein at least one possible embodiment of the present may be found in thefollowing U.S. Patents assigned to the Assignee herein, namely: U.S.Pat. No. 4,911,285; No. 4,944,830; No. 4,950,350; No. 4,976,803; No.4,981,547; No. 5,004,518; No. 5,017,261; No. 5,062,917; No. 5,062,918;No. 5,075,123; No. 5,078,826; No. 5,087,317; No. 5,110,402; No.5,129,984; No. 5,167,755; No. 5,174,851; No. 5,185,053; No. 5,217,538;No. 5,227,005; No. 5,413,153; No. 5,558,138; No. 5,634,500; No.5,713,403; No. 6,276,113; No. 6,213,169; No. 6,189,578; No. 6,192,946;No. 6,374,575; No. 6,365,054; No. 6,619,016; No. 6,474,368; No.6,494,238; No. 6,470,922; and No. 6,463,964.

The purpose of the statements about the technical field is generally toenable the Patent and Trademark Office and the public to determinequickly, from a cursory inspection, the nature of this patentapplication. The description of the technical field is believed, at thetime of the filing of this patent application, to adequately describethe technical field of this patent application. However, the descriptionof the technical field may not be completely applicable to the claims asoriginally filed in this patent application, as amended duringprosecution of this patent application, and as ultimately allowed in anypatent issuing from this patent application. Therefore, any statementsmade relating to the technical field are not intended to limit theclaims in any manner and should not be interpreted as limiting theclaims in any manner.

Some examples of filling machines that utilize electronic controldevices to control various portions of a filling or bottling process andthat may possibly be utilized or possibly adapted for use in at leastone possible embodiment of the present application may possibly be foundin the following U.S. Pat. No. 4,821,921 issued to Cartwright et al. onApr. 18, 1989; U.S. Pat. No. 5,056,511 issued to Ronge on Oct. 15, 1991;U.S. Pat. No. 5,273,082 issued to Paasche et al. on Dec. 28, 1993; andU.S. Pat. No. 5,301,488 issued to Ruhl et al. on Apr. 12, 1994.

The appended drawings in their entirety, including all dimensions,proportions and/or shapes in at least one embodiment of the invention,are accurate and are hereby included by reference into thisspecification.

Some examples of stepping motors that may possibly be utilized orpossibly adapted for use in at least one possible embodiment of thepresent application may possibly be found in the following U.S. Pat. No.6,348,774 issued to Andersen et al. on Feb. 19, 2002; U.S. Pat. No.6,373,209 issued to Gerber et al. on Apr. 16, 2002; U.S. Pat. No.6,424,061 issued to Fukuda et al. on Jul. 23, 2002; U.S. Pat. No.6,509,663 issued to Aoun on Jan. 21, 2003; U.S. Pat. No. 6,548,923 toOhnishi et al. on Apr. 15, 2003; and U.S. Pat. No. 6,661,193 issued toTsai on Dec. 9, 2003.

The background information is believed, at the time of the filing ofthis patent application, to adequately provide background informationfor this patent application. However, the background information may notbe completely applicable to the claims as originally filed in thispatent application, as amended during prosecution of this patentapplication, and as ultimately allowed in any patent issuing from thispatent application. Therefore, any statements made relating to thebackground information are not intended to limit the claims in anymanner and should not be interpreted as limiting the claims in anymanner.

Some examples of servo-motors that may possibly be utilized or possiblyadapted for use in at least one possible embodiment of the presentapplication may possibly be found in the following U.S. Pat. No.4,050,434 issued to Zbikowski et al. on Sep. 27, 1977; U.S. Pat. No.4,365,538 issued to Andoh on Dec. 28, 1982; U.S. Pat. No. 4,550,626issued to Brouter on Nov. 5, 1985; U.S. Pat. No. 4,760,699 issued toJacobsen et al. on Aug. 2, 1988; U.S. Pat. No. 5,076,568 issued to deJong et al. on Dec. 31, 1991; and U.S. Pat. No. 6,025 issued to Yasui onFeb. 15, 2000.

All, or substantially all, of the components and methods of the variousembodiments may be used with at least one embodiment or all of theembodiments, if more than one embodiment is described herein.

Some examples of synchronous motors which may possibly be utilized oradapted for use in at least one possible embodiment may possibly befound in the following U.S. Pat. No. 6,713,899, entitled “Linearsynchronous motor;” U.S. Pat. No. 6,486,581, entitled “Interiorpermanent magnet synchronous motor;” U.S. Pat. No. 6,424,114, entitled“Synchronous motor;” U.S. Pat. No. 6,388,353, entitled “Elongatedpermanent magnet synchronous motor;” U.S. Pat. No. 6,329,728, entitled“Cylinder-type linear synchronous motor;” U.S. Pat. No. 6,025,659,entitled “Synchronous motor with movable part having permanent magnets;”U.S. Pat. No. 5,936,322, entitled “Permanent magnet type synchronousmotor;” and U.S. Pat. No. 5,448,123, entitled “Electric synchronousmotor.”

The purpose of the statements about the object or objects is generallyto enable the Patent and Trademark Office and the public to determinequickly, from a cursory inspection, the nature of this patentapplication. The description of the object or objects is believed, atthe time of the filing of this patent application, to adequatelydescribe the object or objects of this patent application. However, thedescription of the object or objects may not be completely applicable tothe claims as originally filed in this patent application, as amendedduring prosecution of this patent application, and as ultimately allowedin any patent issuing from this patent application. Therefore, anystatements made relating to the object or objects are not intended tolimit the claims in any manner and should not be interpreted as limitingthe claims in any manner.

Some examples of computer systems that may possibly be utilized orpossibly adapted for use in at least one possible embodiment of thepresent application may possibly be found in the following U.S. Pat. No.5,416,480 issued to Roach et al. on May 16, 1995; U.S. Pat. No.5,479,355 issued to Hyduke on Dec. 26, 1995; U.S. Pat. No. 5,481,730issued to Brown et al. on Jan. 2, 1996; U.S. Pat. No. 5,805,094 issuedto Roach et al. on Sep. 8, 1998; U.S. Pat. No. 5,881,227 issued toAtkinson et al. on Mar. 9, 1999; and U.S. Pat. No. 6,072,462 issued toMoshovich on Jun. 6, 2000.

All of the patents, patent applications and publications recited herein,and in the Declaration attached hereto, are hereby incorporated byreference as if set forth in their entirety herein.

Some examples of pneumatic arrangements that may possibly be utilized orpossibly adapted for use in at least one possible embodiment of thepresent application may possibly be found in the following U.S. Pat. No.6,609,767 issued to Mortenson et al. on Aug. 26, 2003; U.S. Pat. No.6,632,072 issued to Lipscomb et al. on Oct. 14, 2003; U.S. Pat. No.6,637,838 issued to Watanabe on Oct. 28, 2003; U.S. Pat. No. 6,659,693issued to Perkins et al. on Dec. 9, 2003; U.S. Pat. No. 6,668,848 issuedto Ladler et al. on Dec. 30, 2003; and U.S. Pat. No. 6,676,229 issued toMarra et al. on Jan. 13, 2004.

The summary is believed, at the time of the filing of this patentapplication, to adequately summarize this patent application. However,portions or all of the information contained in the summary may not becompletely applicable to the claims as originally filed in this patentapplication, as amended during prosecution of this patent application,and as ultimately allowed in any patent issuing from this patentapplication. Therefore, any statements made relating to the summary arenot intended to limit the claims in any manner and should not beinterpreted as limiting the claims in any manner.

Some examples of seal arrangements that may possibly be utilized orpossibly adapted for use in at least one possible embodiment of thepresent application may possibly be found in the following U.S. Pat. No.5,411,273 issued to Pietsch et al. on May 2, 1995; U.S. Pat. No.6,290,234 issued to Berle et al. on Sep. 18, 2001; U.S. Pat. No.6,474,653 issued to Hintenlang et al. on Nov. 5, 2002; U.S. Pat. No.6,616,146 issued to Friend et al. on Sep. 9, 2003; U.S. Pat. No.6,692,007 issued to Oldenburg on Feb. 17, 2004; and U.S. Pat. No.6,648,335 issued to Ezell on Nov. 18, 2003.

It will be understood that the examples of patents, published patentapplications, and other documents which are included in this applicationand which are referred to in paragraphs which state “Some examples of .. . which may possibly be used in at least one possible embodiment ofthe present application . . . ” may possibly not be used or useable inany one or more embodiments of the application.

Some examples of nozzle structures that may possibly be utilized orpossibly adapted for use in at least one possible embodiment of thepresent application may possibly be found in the following U.S. Pat. No.6,042,026 issued to Buehler, II on Mar. 28, 2000; U.S. Pat. No.6,394,366 issued to Adams on May 28, 2002; U.S. Pat. No. 6,402,062issued to Bendig et al. on Jun. 11, 2002; U.S. Pat. No. 6,616,072 issuedto Harata et al. on Sep. 9, 2003; U.S. Pat. No. 6,666,386 issued toHuang on Dec. 23, 2003; and U.S. Pat. No. 6,681,498 issued to Steffan onJan. 27, 2004.

The sentence immediately above relates to patents, published patentapplications and other documents either incorporated by reference or notincorporated by reference.

Some examples of starwheels which may possibly be utilized or adaptedfor use in at least one possible embodiment may possibly be found in thefollowing U.S. Pat. No. 5,613,593, entitled “Container handlingstarwheel;” U.S. Pat. No. 5,029,695, entitled “Improved starwheel;” U.S.Pat. No. 4,124,112, entitled “Odd-shaped container indexing starwheel;”and U.S. Pat. No. 4,084,686, entitled “Starwheel control in a system forconveying containers.” The corresponding foreign and internationalpatent publication applications, namely, Federal Republic of GermanyPatent Application No. 10 2004 022 096.4, filed on May 5, 2004, havinginventor Dieter-Rudolf Krulitsch, and DE-OS 10 2004 022 096.4, and DE-PS10 2004 022 096.4, are hereby incorporated by reference as if set forthin their entirety herein for the purpose of correcting and explainingany possible misinterpretations of the English translation thereof. Inaddition, the published equivalents of the above corresponding foreignand international patent publication applications, and other equivalentsor corresponding applications, if any, in corresponding cases in theFederal Republic of Germany and elsewhere, and the references anddocuments cited in any of the documents cited herein, such as thepatents, patent applications and publications, are hereby incorporatedby reference as if set forth in their entirety herein.

All of the references and documents, cited in any of the documents citedherein, are hereby incorporated by reference as if set forth in theirentirety herein. All of the documents cited herein, referred to in theimmediately preceding sentence, include all of the patents, patentapplications and publications cited anywhere in the present application.

The description of the embodiment or embodiments is believed, at thetime of the filing of this patent application, to adequately describethe embodiment or embodiments of this patent application. However,portions of the description of the embodiment or embodiments may not becompletely applicable to the claims as originally filed in this patentapplication, as amended during prosecution of this patent application,and as ultimately allowed in any patent issuing from this patentapplication. Therefore, any statements made relating to the embodimentor embodiments are not intended to limit the claims in any manner andshould not be interpreted as limiting the claims in any manner.

The details in the patents, patent applications and publications may beconsidered to be incorporable, at applicant's option, into the claimsduring prosecution as further limitations in the claims to patentablydistinguish any amended claims from any applied prior art.

The purpose of the title of this patent application is generally toenable the Patent and Trademark Office and the public to determinequickly, from a cursory inspection, the nature of this patentapplication. The title is believed, at the time of the filing of thispatent application, to adequately reflect the general nature of thispatent application. However, the title may not be completely applicableto the technical field, the object or objects, the summary, thedescription of the embodiment or embodiments, and the claims asoriginally filed in this patent application, as amended duringprosecution of this patent application, and as ultimately allowed in anypatent issuing from this patent application. Therefore, the title is notintended to limit the claims in any manner and should not be interpretedas limiting the claims in any manner.

The abstract of the disclosure is submitted herewith as required by 37C.F.R. §1.72(b). As stated in 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b):

A brief abstract of the technical disclosure in the specification mustcommence on a separate sheet, preferably following the claims, under theheading “Abstract of the Disclosure.” The purpose of the abstract is toenable the Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally todetermine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and gist of thetechnical disclosure. The abstract shall not be used for interpretingthe scope of the claims.

Therefore, any statements made relating to the abstract are not intendedto limit the claims in any manner and should not be interpreted aslimiting the claims in any manner.

The embodiments of the invention described herein above in the contextof the preferred embodiments are not to be taken as limiting theembodiments of the invention to all of the provided details thereof,since modifications and variations thereof may be made without departingfrom the spirit and scope of the embodiments of the invention.

1. A beverage bottling plant for filling beverage bottles with liquidbeverage material, said beverage bottling plant comprising: a beveragebottle cleaning machine being configured and disposed to clean beveragebottles; a feed arrangement to supply beverage bottles to said beveragebottle cleaning machine; a rotary beverage filling machine beingconfigured and disposed to fill beverage bottles with liquid beveragematerial; said rotary beverage filling machine comprising a plurality ofbeverage filling elements for filling beverage bottles with liquidbeverage material; at least one liquid reservoir being configured tohold a liquid to be bottled; said at least one liquid reservoircomprising a gas headspace being disposed above a liquid to be bottledwithin said at least one liquid reservoir; at least one supply linebeing configured and disposed to connect said at least one liquidreservoir to said beverage filling machine to supply liquid beveragematerial to said beverage filling machine; a first conveyer arrangementbeing configured and disposed to move beverage bottles from saidbeverage bottle cleaning machine into said beverage filling machine;said first conveyer arrangement comprising a star wheel structure; abeverage bottle closing machine being configured and disposed to closetops of filled beverage bottles; a second conveyer arrangement beingconfigured and disposed to move filled beverage bottles from saidbeverage filling machine into said beverage bottle closing machine; saidsecond conveyer arrangement comprising a star wheel structure; abeverage bottle labeling machine being configured and disposed to labelfilled, closed beverage bottles; a third conveyor arrangement beingconfigured and disposed to move filled, closed beverage bottles fromsaid beverage bottle closing machine into said beverage bottle labelingmachine; said third conveyer arrangement comprising a star wheelstructure; a beverage bottle packing station being configured anddisposed to package labeled, filled, closed beverage bottles; a fourthconveyor arrangement being configured and disposed to move labeled,filled, closed beverage bottles from said beverage bottle labelingmachine to said beverage bottle packing station; said fourth conveyerarrangement comprising a linear conveyor structure being configured anddisposed to arrange beverage bottles in groups for packing; saidbeverage filling machine comprising a rotor being configured anddisposed to carry said plurality of filling elements about itsperiphery; each of said filling elements comprising: a dispensingopening being configured and disposed to permit the flow of liquidthrough said dispensing opening and into a bottle to be filled; a liquidduct being configured and disposed to permit the flow of liquid fromsaid liquid reservoir; a housing being configured and disposed to housesaid liquid duct; a return gas tube comprising an open bottom end beingdisposed adjacent said dispensing opening; said return gas tube beingconfigured and disposed to permit the flow of gas from a bottle beingfilled with a liquid beverage; a gas cutoff element, comprising: asubstantially disk-shaped body portion being disposed about said liquidduct; said substantially disk-shaped body portion being substantiallyflat; a plurality of passages being configured and disposed to permitthe flow of liquid beverage through said gas cutoff element; saidpassages being disposed in a substantially circular pattern around saidgas cutoff element; said passages comprising an inlet portion, an outletportion, and an inner wall portion; said outlet portion being verticallyoffset from said inlet portion; said inner wall portion being disposedbetween said inlet portion and said outlet portion; said passages beingconfigured and disposed to permit the flow of liquid beverage such thatliquid beverage exits said passages in a circular or swirling motion;said passages having a size, shape, angle, diametrical dimension, crosssection, and inner contour to utilize and being configured and disposedto utilize the Coriolis effect; said passages being configured to takeinto account the latitude of the hemispheric location of the bottlingplant, the viscosity of the liquid being bottled, the size and amount ofsolid matter in the liquid to be bottled, the temperature of the liquidto be bottled, and the type of bottle being filled; said passages beingconfigured and disposed to minimize gas bubbling back up through saidpassages, to minimize entry of liquid into said gas return tube, and tominimize filling time.
 2. The beverage bottling plant according to claim1, wherein: the gas cutoff is provided with recesses on its perimeter;the passages and/or recesses or their side surfaces are at aninclination with respect to the vertical; the inclination is realized asa function of the circumference of an imaginary circle around the valveaxis; and the inclination in the direction of flow is directed radiallyoutward.
 3. The beverage bottling plant according to claim 2, wherein:the inclination is realized as a function of the location in which thefilling machine will be used so that the Coriolis effect is utilized andpositively assisted; the passages or recesses run in a straight line ordo not run in a straight line; the upper side of the gas cutoff is atleast partly in the shape of a funnel or cone; and the installationspace for the gas cutoff is realized so that the filling valve issuitable to hold gas cutoffs of different thicknesses.
 4. A fillingmachine for filling bottles, cans, or similar containers with a liquid,said filling machine comprising: a return gas tube being configured anddisposed to permit the flow of gas out of a bottle being filled with aliquid beverage; a closable liquid duct being configured and disposed topermit the flow of liquid beverage into a bottle to be filled; a gascutoff element, comprising: a substantially flat, substantiallydisk-shaped body portion being disposed about said closable liquid duct;at least one passage being configured and disposed to permit the flow ofliquid beverage through said gas cutoff element such that liquidbeverage exits said at least one passage in a circular or swirlingmotion; and said at least one passage being configured and disposed tominimize gas bubbling back up through said at least one passage and tominimize entry of liquid into said gas return tube during filling. 5.The filling machine according to claim 4, wherein the gas cutoff isprovided with a plurality of passages.
 6. The filling machine accordingto claim 5, wherein the gas cutoff is provided with recesses on itsperimeter.
 7. The filling machine according to claim 6, wherein thepassages and/or recesses or their side surfaces are at an inclinationwith respect to the vertical.
 8. The filling machine according to claim7, wherein: the inclination is realized as a function of thecircumference of an imaginary circle around the valve axis; theinclination in the direction of flow is directed radially outward; andthe inclination is realized as a function of the location in which thefilling machine will be used so that the Coriolis effect is utilized andpositively assisted.
 9. The filling machine according to claim 8,wherein: the fact that the passages or recesses run in a straight lineor do not run in a straight line; the upper side of the gas cutoff is atleast partly in the shape of a funnel or cone; the installation spacefor the gas cutoff is realized so that the filling valve is suitable tohold gas cutoffs of different thicknesses.
 10. A filling machine forfilling bottles, cans, or similar containers with a liquid comprising avalve arrangement, said valve arrangement comprising: a closable liquidduct being configured and disposed to control the flow of liquid into acontainer to be filled; a gas cutoff element being configured anddisposed to effect a swirling of liquid in said closable liquid duct;and said gas cutoff element comprising a substantially flat, planarelement.
 11. The filling machine according to claim 10, wherein the gascutoff is provided with passages.
 12. The filling machine according toclaim 11, wherein the gas cutoff is provided with recesses.
 13. Thefilling machine according to claim 12, wherein the passages and/orrecesses or their side surfaces are at an inclination with respect tothe vertical.
 14. The filling machine according to claim 13, wherein theinclination is realized as a function of the circumference of animaginary circle around the valve axis.
 15. The filling machineaccording to claim 14, wherein the inclination in the direction of flowis directed radially outward.
 16. The filling machine according to claim15, wherein the inclination is realized as a function of the location inwhich the filling machine will be used so that the Coriolis effect isutilized and positively assisted.
 17. The filling machine according toclaim 16, wherein the upper side of the gas cutoff is at least partly inthe shape of a funnel or cone.
 18. The filling machine according toclaim 17, wherein the installation space for the gas cutoff is realizedso that the filling valve is suitable to hold gas cutoffs of differentthicknesses.
 19. The filling machine according to claim 18, wherein thepassages or recesses run in a straight line.
 20. The filling machineaccording to claim 18, wherein the passages or recesses do not run in astraight line.